Charles Leclerc won the Monaco Grand Prix in 2024, finally breaking the curse that had haunted him since his debut season.
What happened before the win?
Leclerc's history with the Monaco Grand Prix was complex, with unlucky experiences that can only be described as cursed.
He debuted in Formula 1 in 2018, but his Monaco woes started in 2017 as a Formula 2 driver for Prema Racing.
Leclerc qualified in pole position but was forced to retire due to suspension failure and electrical issues.
Why the curse was so strong
In 2018, Leclerc's first season in Formula 1, he qualified in P14 and crashed into Toro Rosso's Brandon Hartley, resulting in his first-ever DNF.
The following year, 2019, Leclerc qualified in P16 after Ferrari misjudged the cut-off time, and he eventually retired with significant floor damage.
Former team principal Mattia Binotto admitted the team made a mistake, saying "it has been a misjudgement, a wrong evaluation of what we call the cut-off time."
What changed in 2024
Leclerc finally won the Monaco Grand Prix in 2024, after years of bad luck, including a cancelled Grand Prix in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2021, Leclerc secured pole position but crashed in the final minutes of the qualifying session.
And then, in 2024, Leclerc managed to break the curse, winning his home race.
But before that, he had to overcome many challenges, including a red flag in qualifying.
So, what made the difference in 2024?
Leclerc's win was a result of his determination and hard work, as well as the support of his team.
What comes next for Charles Leclerc
Leclerc's win in Monaco is a significant milestone in his career, and he will look to build on this success in future races.
With his curse finally broken, Leclerc can focus on competing at the highest level, free from the pressure of his home race.
And as he looks to the future, Leclerc will be eager to continue his winning streak, starting with the next Grand Prix.
But for now, he can celebrate his historic win in Monaco, a moment he will never forget.